Keys to a successful business trip

Once the business traveler lets his inner tourist out, the better the trip becomes for him. Here are some tips to successfully navigate five cities in one week and still have that smile on your face.

First, embrace what is in front of you. The red eyes of 2 am in the middle seat to Hong Kong. Sure, it sounds pretty miserable. But remember as you board your sleepy flight that there are thousands, if not millions, who would love the opportunity to go to Hong Kong right now. And unless you have a crazy boss who scheduled a four-hour in-and-out stay, you’ll have time to see at least a few new sites and attractions during your stay. You get to see a completely different world and with someone else’s money. Accept this. If it’s a particularly long stay, bring a friend or your whole family. The only added expense here are airline tickets, food (although your expense account may cover these), and ground travel. And this is a great way to see the world with your loved ones.

By waiting for your flight, you are automatically creating positive vibes. Remember that while you are stuck on that plane, you are going somewhere. Take the time to reflect not only on business matters, but also on life itself. And if that’s not enough, think existential thoughts as you zip 500 mph through the sky at 45,000 feet in a 70-meter can. You will be amazed at the thoughts that enter your head. A good trick is to reserve a window seat. Sure, you might have to apologize for awkwardly going through some legs, but this is a fantastic way to really take in your surroundings and remind yourself of what you’re really doing.

Too many business travelers reserve aisle seats, read the newspaper, and not once do they recognize a full moon or a distant thunderstorm right outside the airplane windows. Learning to embrace travel is a lot like learning to embrace life itself. To be more aware. To drink things instead of complaining about them. The next time your flight is five hours late on the runway, do a social experiment in your head. Calculate everyone else around you – Record how long it takes certain people to ‘shoot’. See how other people wait, what devices they use to survive.

And, if you’re alone, offer to help a single mother with her screaming child. Make yourself useful and not only will you feel much better about yourself, but time will go by faster as well. In fact, if more business travelers stuck on planes with crying children actually proactively helped more, there would be fewer crying children. All that ends up happening now is that there are screaming children and business travelers complaining about them. Actually a representation of society.

Once you are at your destination, exit your hotel room. Use the hours you are not working or planning the meeting to really see the new city. And, if you come to the same city frequently, really know it, inside and out. Not only will this help you fill your time, but you will find nooks and crannies to take customers to, connect with, and broaden your horizons.

Once you know you have business trips imminent, look for new restaurants, new neighborhoods. Plan to visit tourist sites, learn about the history and local people. This will not only make your business trips more attractive, but it will also be soup for your soul.